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Climate and Health Intervention Assessment: Evidence on Public Health Interventions to Prevent the Negative Health Effects of Climate Change

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"This guide outlines the findings of the Building Resilience Against Climate Effects (BRACE) Midwest/Southeast Collaborative on the evidence of effectiveness of various interventions for reducing the negative health impacts of climate change. This is not intended to be a comprehensive guide of all potential interventions; rather it outlines the evidence found for certain interventions as part of the Midwest/Southeast Collaborative's review of the literature. The findings in this document highlight a subset of potential interventions for select potential climate-related health impacts. It is intended as a general guide, and health departments are encouraged to seek out additional literature and consult with subject matter experts before implementing interventions."

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.); National Center for Environmental Health (U.S.)

Anderson, Henry; Brown, Claudia; Cameron, Lorraine L. . . .

2017
Climate Change: Improvements Needed to Clarify National Priorities and Better Align Them with Federal Funding Decisions, Report to the Ranking Member, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives

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"Climate change poses risks to many environmental and economic systems, including agriculture, infrastructure, and ecosystems. Federal law has periodically required the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to report on federal climate change funding. Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to examine (1) federal funding for climate change activities and how these activities are organized; (2) the extent to which methods for defining and reporting climate change funding are interpreted consistently across the federal government; (3) federal climate change strategic priorities, and the extent to which funding is aligned with these priorities; and (4) what options, if any, are available to better align federal climate change funding with strategic priorities. GAO analyzed OMB funding reports and responses to a Web-based questionnaire sent to federal officials, reviewed available literature, and interviewed stakeholders."

United States. Government Accountability Office

2011-05
Hearing on the Costs of Climate Change: from Coasts to Heartland, Health to Security, Hearing Before the Committee on the Budget, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, Hearing Held in Washington, D.C., July 24, 2019

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This is the July 24, 2019 hearing on "Costs of Climate Change: from Coasts to Heartland, Health to Security" held before the U.S. House Committee on the Budget. From the opening statement of John A. Yarmuth: "Today we will hear from experts on the looming threat of climate change to our coastal communities, agricultural economies, public health, and national security, and the implications for the federal budget. The devastating effects of climate change are already upon us. Families have lost their homes to record storms and raging wildfires, and lost loved ones to sicknesses stemming from heat waves and degraded air quality. Our farmers are grappling with changing growing seasons and declining crop yields, while approximately half of all U.S. military sites and two-thirds of the most critical installations are threatened by climate change. Without serious action, climate-related federal spending will continue to rise, and American families will not only have to grapple with the effects of climate change, they will have to foot the bill for the spiraling costs." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Ann Phillips, Stefani Grant, Georges Benjamin, David Titley, and Rich Powell.

United States. Government Publishing Office

2019
Climate Change and Poor Water Resource Management Will Have Serious Security Implications in the Balkan Peninsula

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From the thesis abstract: "Climate Change is not a new or surprising event, but it has a significant impact human civilization. Our future depends on our ability to predict and mitigate the impact and threats created by climate change. The effects will influence all of us. Climate change is a threat multiplier and puts every nation at risk. The aim of this paper is to define the security threats for the Balkan Peninsula caused by climate change and poor water resource management. This research focuses on surface rather than groundwater and specifically explores the Maritza and Tundja Rivers which form the border area between Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey. The paper details how poor water management in these rivers will create security threats. Using the mixed methodology to analyze the collected data, the results of the research show that climate change and population growth will strain the environment of the Balkan Peninsula, and it will be followed by resource crises. The biggest threat is water scarcity. Reduced water resources will create a tremendous impact on the three countries, their economies and societies will react to the stress. It is government's responsibility to avoid the conflict. The only peaceful solution is to establish a combined center for climate change and to work together for the good of the three nations."

U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

Delev, Kosta

2015-06
Implications of Climate Change for the U.S. Army

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From the Executive Summary: "Current conversations about climate change and its impacts are often rancorous and politically charged. As an organization that is, by law, non-partisan, the Department of Defense (DoD) is precariously unprepared for the national security implications of climate change-induced global security challenges. This study examines the implications of climate change for the United States Army. This includes national security challenges associated with or worsened by climate change, and organizational challenges arising from climate change-related issues in the domestic environment. Given that, the study's starting point is the implications of climate change for the U.S. Army, and the Army is therefore the focus of the analysis and recommendations. That said, much of the analysis involves DoD and other elements of the government, and most of the Army-specific recommendations have parallels that apply to other military services."

Army War College (U.S.)

Hill, Andrew A.; Jahn, Molly; Thomas, Nicole . . .

2019-07?
Assessing the Homeland Security Impacts of a Changing Climate, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, First Session, April 9, 2019

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This is the April 9, 2019 hearing titled "Assessing the Homeland Security Impacts of a Changing Climate," held before the House Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Donald M. Payne, Jr.: "The last time this committee held a noticed activity on climate change, it was in 2015 when the Republicans held a hearing entitled 'Examining DHS's Misplaced Focus on Climate Change.' Let me be clear: Climate change is here, it is happening, and the scientific evidence is there, and it is a threat to our security. If continued unchecked, the effects of climate change will have a devastating impact on nearly every aspect of American life. Scientists from all over the world are clear: If we do not start taking steps to address this issue, it will soon be too late. As climate change continues to make extreme weather events worse, our critical infrastructure will be at risk of failing--a terrifying prospect for our homeland security." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Astrid Caldas, Timothy Manning, Kristie Trousdale, and Dan Eggleston.

United States. Government Publishing Office

2019
How Climate Change May Affect the U.S. Economy [April 4, 2022]

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From the Summary: "There is general consensus within the scientific community that human activities have increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and that the increased concentrations have contributed to a rise in global average temperatures. The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently assessed, 'Overall adverse economic impacts attributable to climate change, including slow-onset and extreme weather events, have been increasingly identified.' Two of the main avenues through which climate change can affect GDP [Gross domestic product] in the short and long terms are productivity and investment effects. Productivity is a key determinant in long-term economic growth--as productivity increases, economies can produce more goods and services with the same level of resources, which in turn tends to increase well-being and income. Business investment is also a determinant of long-term growth insofar as it contributes to the domestic capital stock, which is directly related to the economy's overall productive capacity. Research suggests that climate change could negatively impact productivity and business investment, as rising temperatures and heat waves could result in lower output per worker. Declines in productivity and production could decrease businesses' incentive to invest, particularly in a scenario in which physical capital is routinely damaged or destroyed due to the effects of extreme weather events to a point where further investment becomes unattractive. Climate change can also bring some benefits (such as fewer extreme cold events) and opportunities (opening of Arctic shipping lanes), although the net effects of climate change on the economy are generally expected to be increasingly adverse and widespread on net."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Weinstock, Lida R.

2022-04-04
National Water Program 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change

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"Climate change poses significant challenges to water resources and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Water Program (NWP). The NWP 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change addresses climate change in the context of our water programs. It emphasizes assessing and managing risk and incorporating adaptation into core programs. Many of the programs and activities already underway throughout the NWP-such as protecting healthy watersheds and wetlands; managing stormwater with green infrastructure; and improving the efficiency and sustainability of water infrastructure, including promoting energy and water efficiency, reducing pollutants, and protecting drinking water and public health-are even more important to do in light of climate change. However, climate change poses such significant challenges to the nation's water resources that more transformative approaches will be necessary. These include critical reflection on programmatic assumptions and development and implementation of plans to address climate change's challenges."

United States. Environmental Protection Agency

2012-12
Highlights of Progress: 2012: Report on the Implementation of the 'National Action Plan: Priorities for Managing Freshwater Resources in a Changing Climate'

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"In October 2011, the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force published a 'National Action Plan' providing an overview of the challenges that a changing climate presents for the management of the Nation's freshwater resources and recommending actions for Federal agencies to support water resource managers in understanding and reducing the risks of climate change. During 2012, Federal agency members of the Task Force have worked to implement the actions called for in the National Action Plan. This 'Highlights of Progress: 2012' document summarizes the progress agencies have made in implementing the 'National Action Plan' between January 2012 and January 2013. The 'National Action Plan' was developed in response to a recommendation in the October 2010 'Progress Report' of the Interagency Climate Change and Adaptation Task Force. It was developed for the Task Force by an Interagency Climate Change and Water Resources Workgroup made up of representatives from Federal agencies involved in water resources science and management. The Workgroup, which is co-chaired by the Department of Interior (DOI), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), prepared this 'Highlights of Progress: 2012' document to provide an annual report to the public concerning progress in addressing this important topic (see Supporting Action #1; page 16 of the 'National Action Plan'). Six recommendations to improve water resources management in a changing climate are presented in the 'National Action Plan.'"

United States. Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force

2013-03
Climate Change Adaptation Plan: U.S. Department of the Treasury

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"The U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) recognizes that climate change will be one of the major challenges of the 21st century. Treasury understands that certain aspects of its operations and mission could be impacted by expected changes in regional climate conditions throughout the United States. Treasury intends to take a comprehensive approach to climate change that incorporates new knowledge and changing conditions into our missions, facility operations, and programs. This approach will enhance the capacity of our operations, design, construction, planning, and maintenance to adapt to a changing climate. Our goal is to develop practical, nationally consistent, legally justifiable, and cost effective measures, both structural and nonstructural, to reduce vulnerabilities to climate change. We are taking a collaborative approach that embodies a new attitude to partnering between agencies. This collaboration takes advantage of our different perspectives and expertise so that our progress on adaptation reflects the best available and actionable science. We are taking a phased approach that allows us to identify uncertainties, whether in climate projections or in systems responses, so that we begin adaptation in areas where uncertainties are relatively smaller and the risk of adverse or unintended consequences is lower. We are developing and implementing plans, policies, and infrastructure adaptation in parallel, rather than sequentially, so that adaptation begins soonest for projects that are most vulnerable. We are refining our adaptation based on the new knowledge."

United States. Department of the Treasury

2012-06
HHS Climate Change Adaptation Plan

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"Section 8(i) of Executive Order (E.O.) 13514, 'Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance,' requires that each Federal agency evaluate agency climate change risks and vulnerabilities to manage both the short and long-term effects of climate change on the agency's mission and operations, and prepare a Climate Change Adaptation Plan (Adaptation Plan). In accordance with the instructions of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), dated February 29, 2012, this Adaptation Plan applies to the agency level, not to agency divisions or offices, which will be examining effects of climate change on the their mission and operations, as appropriate. […] As part of this effort, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has completed a final analysis of agency vulnerability to climate change for internal use. […] This document will outline the challenges posed by climate change to the HHS mission, programs, and operations, and identify specific actions in FY 2013 and beyond to better understand and address those challenges."

United States. Department of Health and Human Services

2012-06-29
Climate Change, Permafrost, and Impacts on Civil Infrastructure

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This is a "Permafrost Task Force Report" from the U.S. Arctic Research Commission. "Permafrost, or perenially frozen ground, is a critical component of the cryosphere and the Arctic system. Permafrost regions occupy approximately 24% of the terrestrial surface of the Northern Hemisphere; further, the distribution of subsea permafrost in the Arctic Ocean is not well known, but new occurrences continue to be found. The effects of climatic warming on permafrost and the seasonally thawed layer above it (the active layer) can severely disrupt ecosystems and human infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, utilities, pipelines, and airstrips. The susceptibility of engineering works to thaw-induced damage is particularly relevant to communities and structures throughout northern Alaska, Russia, and Canada. It is clear from the long-term paleographic record in these areas that climatic warming can lead to increases in permafrost temperature, thickening of the active layer, and a reduction in the percentage of the terrestrial surface underlain by near-surface permafrost. Such changes can lead to extensive settlement of the ground surface, with attendant damage to infrastructure. To advance U.S. and international permafrost research, the U.S. Arctic Research Commission in 2002 chartered a task force on climate change, permafrost, and infrastructure impacts. The task force was asked to identify key issues and research needs to foster a greater understanding of global change impacts on permafrost in the Arctic and their linkages to natural and human systems. Permafrost was found to play three key roles in the context of climatic changes: as a record keeper (temperature archive); as a translator of climatic change (subsidence and related impacts); and as a facilitator of climatic change (impact on the global carbon cycle). The potential for melting of ice-rich permafrost constitutes a significant environmental hazard in high-latitude regions."

United States. Arctic Research Commission

Brigham, Lawson W.; Nelson, Frederick E.

2003-12
Chinese and Russian Policies on Climate Change: Implications for U.S. National Security Policy

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From the thesis abstract: "Since the conclusion of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol negotiations, the Chinese government has been steadily increasing measures for the reduction of its greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Meanwhile, the Russian government has been extremely hesitant to even acknowledge humanity's role in climate change. This thesis investigates why China and Russia have chosen to take such divergent paths regarding climate change after compliance obligations were established at Kyoto. The factors considered include shifts in national public opinion regarding climate change, economics, demographics, expected future effects of global warming, resources, and the Kyoto Protocol itself. The case studies of Chinese and Russian climate change policies and programs highlight three significant factors in the divergence: 1) the Kyoto Protocol, which set the initial policy baselines for both countries; 2) geography and demography, which forced China to take actions to combat climate change since it is half the size of Russia but has roughly ten times as many people; and 3) the lengthy and continuous leadership of Russia's current president--Vladimir Putin--who has held the position of either president or prime minister since 1999 and has taken virtually no action to combat climate change."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

Sechrist, David T.

2016-06
Understanding the Correlation Between Climate Change and the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis

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From the Introduction: "Despite the development and distribution of vaccines, the spread of novel coronavirus infections (COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2) is still raging across the globe with the emergence of variants. When the first case of COVID-19 infection appeared in South Korea in January 2020, the emerging infectious disease (EID) was compared to the previous cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV-1) in 2003 or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in 2015 and so many people expected that the spread would end within a short period of time. However, as of October 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic still continues with approximately 230 million infectees and more than 4.8 million deaths worldwide. Facing the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change is also drawing attention as a major variable that affects the outbreak and spread of infectious diseases. In particular, after the introduction of empirical studies on the correlation between the emergence of COVID-19 and climate change, the public's interest is growing even more. It may be desirable that public attention to climate change, which could be more serious than any other global crises, is raised even through the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. However, media reports or environmental activists' hasty conclusion based on insufficient evidence and limited empirical studies that climate change is the major cause of the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic is worrisome in that it could reduce the nature of complex correlation between the two threats to simple and direct causal relations. [...] Climate change is a megatrend-type threat that occurs everywhere and affects everything in the atmosphere and the surface of the earth, in which humans and ecosystems live. Climate change poses various unprecedented environmental crises to human living conditions such as sea level rise and extreme weather events. In addition, it has been perceived as a 'threat multiplier' that directly or indirectly affects other global threats, including infectious disease outbreaks, food and water insecurity, biodiversity loss, and involuntary displacement. [...] While overcoming the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a top priority for all of us, we must build national capacity to respond more quickly and effectively to new infectious diseases that will emerge from their coevolution with humanity."

Asian Institute for Policy Studies

Hyeonjung, Choi

2021-10-21
Climate Change: Activities of Selected Agencies to Address Potential Impact on Global Migration, Report to Congressional Requesters

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"The effects of climate change, combined with other factors, may alter human migration trends across the globe, according to the International Organization for Migration. For example, climate change can increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, causing populations to move from an area. Climate change can also intensify slow-onset disasters, such as drought, crop failure, or sea level rise, potentially altering longer-term migration trends. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review how U.S. agencies address climate change as a potential driver of global migration. For State, USAID [United States Agency for International Development], and DOD, this report (1) describes executive branch actions related to climate change and migration from fiscal years 2014 through 2018; (2) examines the extent to which the agencies discussed the potential effects of climate change on migration in their plans and risk assessments; and (3) describes agency activities on the issue. GAO analyzed documents on administration priorities; reviewed agency plans, risk assessments, and documentation of agency activities; and interviewed agency officials."

United States. Government Accountability Office

2019-01
Office of Water: Climate Change Adaptation Implementation Plan

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From the Introduction: "This 'Implementation Plan' provides an overview of the opportunities available to the Office of Water within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to respond to the challenges that a changing climate poses for the successful operation of national programs to protect the quality of the national water resources and drinking water. This 'Plan' is organized using the framework adopted by the EPA for each of its major national offices and regional offices. Key elements of the 'Plan' address: [1] Vulnerability of water resources, including clean water and drinking water programs, to climate change; [2] Priority actions for water program response to climate change; [3] Office of Water contribution to meeting EPA strategic measures on climate change; [4] Legal and enforcement issues; [5] Training and outreach for climate change adaptation; [6] Partnerships with Tribes; [7] Populations and places vulnerable to a changing climate; and [8] Program evaluation and cross-Agency pilot projects."

United States. Environmental Protection Agency

2014-05
H. Rept. 116-375: Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act, Report to Accompany H.R. 4737, Including Cost Estimate of the Congressional Budget Office, January 10, 2020

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From the Purpose and Summary: "H.R. 4737, the 'Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act,' would direct the Department of Homeland Security (the Department or DHS)'s Science and Technology Directorate to assess current Federal research regarding the connection between climate change and homeland security to identify research gaps and, to the extent practical, conduct additional research to fill identified gaps. In addition to focusing on how climate change can result in competition for resources, economic distress, and social discontent, the research shall consider the degree to which climate change is reflected in terrorism preparedness, and how Federal spending is affected for disasters that are aggravated by climate change. Under this measure, DHS would also be required, to the extent practical, to develop approaches to mitigate the consequences of climate change on homeland security. For three years after enactment of H.R. 4737, DHS would be required to submit annual reports to Congress on the Department's activities in furtherance of the implementation of this measure."

United States. Government Publishing Office

2020-01-10
Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [January 3, 2013]

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"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007: the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, authorizes EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. EPA's subsequent efforts to carry out that authority have been sustained by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions from other sources, and, if EPA does, whether the CAA authorizes capand- trade programs. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Meltz, Robert

2013-01-03
Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [November 15, 2012]

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"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Meltz, Robert

2012-11-15
Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [July 2, 2012]

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"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Meltz, Robert

2012-07-02
Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [October 25, 2012]

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"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Meltz, Robert

2012-10-25
Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [July 23, 2012]

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"This report surveys 'existing' law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. Another issue is whether EPA's 'endangerment finding' for GHG emissions from new motor vehicles will compel EPA to move against GHG emissions under other CAA authorities. Still other mitigation issues are (1) the role of the Endangered Species Act in addressing climate change; (2) how climate change must be considered under the National Environmental Policy Act; (3) liability and other questions raised by carbon capture and sequestration; (4) constitutional constraints on land use regulation and state actions against climate change; and (5) whether the public trust doctrine applies to the atmosphere."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Meltz, Robert

2012-07-23
Climate Change and Existing Law: A Survey of Legal Issues Past, Present, and Future [July 27, 2012]

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"This report surveys existing law for legal issues that have arisen, or may arise in the future, on account of climate change and government responses thereto. At the threshold of many climate-change-related lawsuits are two barriers--whether the plaintiff has standing to sue and whether the claim being made presents a political question. Both barriers have forced courts to apply amorphous standards in a new and complex context. Efforts to mitigate climate change--that is, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions--have spawned a host of legal issues. The Supreme Court resolved a big one in 2007--the Clean Air Act (CAA), it said, does authorize EPA to regulate GHG emissions. Quite recently, a host of issues raised by EPA's efforts to carry out that authority were resolved in the agency's favor by the D.C. Circuit. […] Other adaptation responses to climate change raising legal issues, often property rights related, are beach armoring (seawalls, bulkheads, etc.), beach re-nourishment, and 'retreat' measures. Retreat measures seek to move existing development away from areas likely to be affected by floods and sea level rise, and to discourage new development there. Natural disasters to which climate change contributes may prompt questions as to whether response actions taken in an emergency are subject to relaxed requirements and, similarly, as to the rebuilding of structures destroyed by such disasters just as they were before. Finally, immigration and refugee law appear not to cover persons forced to relocate because of climate change impacts such as drought or sea level rise."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Meltz, Robert

2012-07-27
Effects of Climate Change on Federal Hydropower: Report to Congress August 2013

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From the Executive Summary: "As directed by Congress in Section 9505 of the SECURE Water Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-11), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in consultation with the federal Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) and other federal agencies, has prepared a comprehensive assessment examining the potential effects of climate change on water available for hydropower generation at federal facilities and on the marketing of that power. [...] The 9505 Assessment, [...] included: 1) a historical analysis of the sensitivity of federal hydropower operations to climate variables, 2) a climate modeling analysis that projected climate conditions and impacts to hydropower into the future, and 3) a literature review of other related climate studies for comparison to the 9505 modeling results. [...] The 9505 Assessment gives federal hydropower administrators the opportunity to plan their operational or contracting responses to these changes. Recommendations from the PMA administrators on how they can respond to the effects of climate change are included as part of this Report to Congress. The future assessments that are required every five years under Section 9505 can be improved by incorporating improved climate models and data that will become available soon, closer examination of extreme events and longer-term change in more detail, and addressing the interactions among hydropower and other water uses."

United States. Department of Energy

2013-08
Approach for Assessing Human Health Vulnerability and Public Health Interventions to Adapt to Climate Change

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"Assessments of the potential human health impacts of climate change are needed to inform the development of adaptation strategies, policies, and measures to lessen projected adverse impacts. For this paper, the authors developed methods for country-level assessments to help policy makers make evidence-based decisions to increase resilience to current and future climates, and to provide information for national communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The steps in an assessment should include the following: a) determine the scope of the assessment; b) describe the current distribution and burden of climate-sensitive health determinants and outcomes; c) identify and describe current strategies, policies, and measures designed to reduce the burden of climate-sensitive health determinants and outcomes; d) review the health implications of the potential impacts of climate variability and change in other sectors; e) estimate the future potential health impacts using scenarios of future changes in climate, socioeconomic, and other factors; f) synthesize the results; and g) identify additional adaptation policies and measures to reduce potential negative health impacts. Key issues for ensuring that an assessment is informative, timely, and useful include stakeholder involvement, an adequate management structure, and a communication strategy."

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

2006-12
Climate Change Indicators in the United States, 2014; Third Edition

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"The Earth's climate is changing. Temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall patterns are shifting, and more extreme climate events--like heavy rainstorms and record high temperatures--are already taking place. Scientists are highly confident that many of these observed changes can be linked to the climbing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, which are caused by human activities. The climate change indicators in this report look at the composition of the atmosphere, fundamental measures of climate, and the extent to which several climate-sensitive aspects of the oceans, snow and ice, human health, society, and ecosystems are changing. Together, these indicators present compelling evidence that climate change is happening now in the United States and around the world."

United States. Environmental Protection Agency

2014
Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Intermountain Region, Part 2

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"The Intermountain Adaptation Partnership (IAP) identified climate change issues relevant to resource management on Federal lands in Nevada, Utah, southern Idaho, eastern California and western Wyoming, and developed solutions intended to minimize negative effects of climate change and facilitate transition of diverse ecosystems to a warmer climate. [...] The earliest and most profound effects of climate change are expected for water resources, the result of declining snowpacks causing higher peak winter streamflows, lower summer flows, and higher stream temperatures. These changes will in turn reduce fish habitat for cold-water fish species, negatively affect riparian vegetation and wildlife, damage roads and other infrastructure, and reduce reliable water supplies for communities. Increased frequency and magnitude of disturbances (drought, insect outbreaks, wildfire) will reduce the area of mature forest, affect wildlife populations (some positively, some negatively), damage infrastructure and cultural resources, degrade the quality of municipal water supplies, and reduce carbon sequestration. Climate change effects on recreation, a major economic driver in the IAP region, will be positive for warm-weather activities and negative for snow-based activities. IAP participants developed adaptation options that can be implemented in planning, project management, monitoring, and restoration as climate-smart responses to altered resource conditions."

United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

Halofsky, Jessica E.; Peterson, David L.; Ho, Joanne J. . . .

2018-04
Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation in the Intermountain Region, Part 1

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"The Intermountain Adaptation Partnership (IAP) identified climate change issues relevant to resource management on Federal lands in Nevada, Utah, southern Idaho, eastern California, and western Wyoming, and developed solutions intended to minimize negative effects of climate change and facilitate transition of diverse ecosystems to a warmer climate. [...] The earliest and most profound effects of climate change are expected for water resources, the result of declining snowpacks causing higher peak winter streamflows, lower summer flows, and higher stream temperatures. These changes will in turn reduce fish habitat for cold-water fish species, negatively affect riparian vegetation and wildlife, damage roads and other infrastructure, and reduce reliable water supplies for communities. Increased frequency and magnitude of disturbances (drought, insect outbreaks, wildfire) will reduce the area of mature forest, affect wildlife populations (some positively, some negatively), damage infrastructure and cultural resources, degrade the quality of municipal water supplies, and reduce carbon sequestration. Climate change effects on recreation, a major economic driver in the IAP region, will be positive for warm-weather activities and negative for snow-based activities. IAP participants developed adaptation options that can be implemented in planning, project management, monitoring, and restoration as climate-smart responses to altered resource conditions."

United States. Department of Agriculture; United States. Forest Service; Rocky Mountain Research Station (Fort Collins, Colo.)

Halofsky, Jessica E.; Peterson, David L.; Ho, Joanne J. . . .

2018-04
Climate Change: Federal Laws and Policies Related to Greenhouse Gas Reductions [Updated January 28, 2008]

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"Climate change is generally viewed as a global issue, but proposed responses generally require action at the national level. In 1992, the United States ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which called on industrialized countries to take the lead in reducing greenhouse gases. Over the past 15 years, a variety of voluntary and regulatory actions have been proposed or undertaken in the United States, including monitoring of utility carbon dioxide emissions, improved appliance efficiency, and incentives for developing renewable energy sources. In 2001, President George W. Bush rejected the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC, which called for legally binding commitments by developed countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. He also rejected the concept of mandatory emissions reductions. Since then, the Administration has focused U.S. climate change policy on voluntary initiatives to reduce the growth in greenhouse gas emissions. This focus is particularly evident in the Administration's 2006 Climate Action Report (CAR) submitted under the provisions of the UNFCCC. Of the roughly 50 programs summarized in the 2006 CAR, only seven are described as 'regulatory.' These regulatory programs were generally implemented to achieve energy or environmental goals other than the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, but produced a concomitant emissions reduction. In this sense, they could be considered the results of a 'no regrets'3 policy in which climate change effects resulting from related air quality and energy policies are included in the decision-making process on new or modified rules. This report provides background on the evolution of U.S. climate change policy from ratification of the UNFCCC to the George W. Bush Administration's rejection of the Kyoto Protocol programs, to the present. Current major regulatory programs that monitor or reduce greenhouse gas emissions are identified, along with their estimated effect on greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, energy legislation enacted in the 109th and 110th Congresses that could directly or indirectly reduce greenhouse gases is discussed."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Yacobucci, Brent D.; Parker, Larry, 1954-

2008-01-28
Climate Change Adaption: Strategic Federal Planning Could Help Officials Make More Informed Decisions, Report to the Chairman, Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, House of Representatives

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"Changes in the climate attributable to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases may have significant impacts in the United States and the world. For example, climate change could threaten coastal areas with rising sea levels. Greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere will continue altering the climate system into the future, regardless of emissions control efforts. Therefore, adaptation -defined as adjustments to natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climate change -is an important part of the response to climate change. GAO was asked to examine (1) what actions federal, state, local, and international authorities are taking to adapt to a changing climate; (2) the challenges that federal, state, and local officials face in their efforts to adapt; and (3) actions that Congress and federal agencies could take to help address these challenges. We also discuss our prior work on similarly complex, interdisciplinary issues. This report is based on analysis of studies, site visits to areas pursuing adaptation efforts, and responses to a Web-based questionnaire sent to federal, state, and local officials."

United States. Government Accountability Office

2009-10

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